Crazy Facts about food

Unveiling Surprising Insights on Artificial Sweeteners

Man adding sugar to his coffee or tea — Photo by depositphotos.com

Artificial sweeteners, found in a myriad of products across the globe, continue to be a focal point of debate and examination. At this moment, esteemed health entities such as the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority are revisiting their stance on these sugar substitutes. Let’s delve into five fascinating revelations about artificial sweeteners from the latest research:

Rethinking Aspartame: Novel studies are suggesting that aspartame, a prevalent artificial sweetener, might be linked to disruptions in learning and memory in mice, even when consumed in quantities lower than the FDA’s recommended safe limit.
Reevaluating Cancer Risks: A comprehensive review of health records from 102,865 individuals in France, tracked for more than ten years, has unearthed a potential connection between artificial sweetener consumption and a heightened risk of cancer.
Gut Bacteria and Glucose Levels: Research indicates that ingesting artificial sweeteners can modify the microbial composition in our intestines. Remarkably, alterations in gut bacteria and subsequent impacts on blood glucose regulation were noticed after just a fortnight of consumption.
Exploration into Monkfruit Sweetener: The excessive consumption of white table sugar or artificial sweeteners can lead to various health complications. In pursuit of a healthier alternative, scientists have introduced a low-calorie sweetener derived from the luo han guo fruit, also known as “monkfruit.” This sweetener, already available in markets and noted for its gritty texture in solid form, has been found to be as sweet as table sugar and beneficial for promoting “good” gut microbes in laboratory experiments.
Exploring Heart Disease Correlations: Preliminary findings are pointing towards a potential association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and the onset of heart disease.

8 Unexpected Facts About Instant Ramen

Immerse yourself in the whirlpool of fascinating revelations about a global pantry staple with “8 Unexpected Facts About Instant Ramen.”

Instant Ramen Noodles in a Cup with Beef Flavoring — Photo by depositphotos.com

1. Instant ramen noodles were created as a solution to the widespread hunger in Japan post-WW2. The brain behind this innovation, Momofuku Ando, envisioned his noodles as a cure for world hunger. Over the years, Ando often infused his workforce with his philosophies, famously exclaiming, “Mankind is noodlekind,” “What are you doing now?,” and “Peace will come when people have food.” These quotes found their way into the company’s employee handbook.

2. The birth of Cup Noodles occurred after Momofuku Ando observed American supermarket executives breaking his ramen to fit into styrofoam coffee cups. They poured boiling water over the broken ramen and enjoyed their meal using forks. This observation led Ando to innovate further and invent Cup Noodles.

3. The University of Chicago Burn Center conducted a retrospective study over ten years, revealing that instant ramen accidents account for over 30% of pediatric scald burns.

4. In 1958, when instant ramen first hit the market, it was deemed a luxury product. Surprisingly, fresh noodles were sold at a price as low as one-sixth of the price of instant ramen.

5. A survey involving 2,000 Japanese participants asked them to nominate the greatest invention of the 20th Century. The top two contenders? Ramen noodles and Karaoke.

6. Did you know that instant ramen noodles undergo a deep-frying process in palm oil before they reach the packaging stage?

7. While preparing your instant noodles, heating the styrofoam cup in the microwave is discouraged. This process releases more of the BPA chemical found in styrofoam, which could pose health risks.

8. Shifting dynamics in prison currency have seen ramen noodles surpass cigarettes as the most popular form of exchange. In a creative culinary twist, prisoners concoct a snack known as a “swole.” This involves blending hot water with a mix of crushed Doritos or Cheetos and ramen. The mixture is then allowed to expand, resulting in a burrito-like delicacy. It seems that the versatility of ramen knows no bounds!

Unwrapping Surprises: 10 Facts About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods, a household name, has a history full of unexpected twists and fun facts. Here are ten tidbits that might give you a fresh perspective on this familiar brand.

Advertisement billboard displaying logo of The Kraft Foods Group, an American food manufacturing and processing conglomerate
Photo by depositphotos.com

1. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, a family favorite, made its debut during the Great Depression in 1937. With the promise of serving a family of four for a mere 19 cents, it flew off the shelves. In the first year alone, 8 million boxes were sold.

2. The brand’s boxed mac and cheese gained even more popularity during World War II. Thanks to a surplus of cheese, rationing rules allowed people to purchase two boxes for a single ration point.

3. The term “American Cheese” originally referred to a type of cheddar cheese, aptly named American or Yankee Cheddar, that was exported back to England by 1790. However, when James L. Kraft patented a method for manufacturing processed cheese in 1916, the term “American Cheese” was co-opted for Kraft’s processed version.

4. Grey Poupon mustard, a Kraft product in the U.S., owes its moniker to Maurice Grey and Auguste Poupon, the French partners who began producing the condiment in 1866.

5. Canadians hold a particular fondness for Kraft Dinner (Mac and Cheese). It has the distinction of being the most popular grocery item in the country and is considered a national dish.

6. Kraft Foods has ingeniously repurposed old mines in Springfield, MO, creating an expansive underground truck warehouse known as Kraft Caves.

7. Kraft Singles, often considered a staple for sandwiches, are not technically classified as “cheese.” Instead, they must be marketed as a “cheese product.”

8. A crucial factor in James L. Kraft‘s success in building his empire was his innovative approach to cheese packaging, making it easy to slice.

9. Kraft Foods was a subsidiary of Altria, formerly known as Philip Morris, the cigarette company, from 1988 to 2007.

10. In the UK, Kraft’s famous Mac & Cheese carries a warning label regarding possible effects on children’s behavior. This warning is due to the so-called “Southampton Six,” a group of food colorants associated with hyperactivity in children. Parents are alerted to the possible behavioral impacts, which is an important consideration for many families.

5 Intriguing Nuggets of KFC History You Probably Didn’t Know

Delve into the intriguing world of KFC, a fast-food giant with an assortment of fascinating stories under its wing. From its unique connection with Japan’s Christmas traditions to the idiosyncrasies of its charismatic founder, Colonel Sanders, KFC’s history is as flavorful as its famous fried chicken. Join us as we explore five finger-lickin’ facts about KFC that will leave you craving for more.

A front view of the facade of the KFC chain restaurant in Asturias. — Photo by depositphotos.com

1. The visionary behind the globally recognized brand, Colonel Sanders, was ironically his own biggest critic. He never shied away from expressing his disdain for KFC’s offerings, particularly the gravy which he famously dubbed as “horrible.” His critiques were so passionate that he was known to abruptly enter a KFC branch and express his disappointment by tossing the food onto the floor.

2. A bizarre cultural twist has the Japanese dining on KFC for their Christmas meals. Although Christmas is not an ancient Japanese tradition and is celebrated secularly due to a low Christian population, KFC cleverly marketed itself into the festivities. In the 1990s, they aired commercials claiming KFC as a conventional Christmas meal in America. This marketing ploy was a hit, and despite a few Japanese citizens debunking the myth, KFC continues to experience significant sales boost every December.

3. KFC has ventured beyond the world of fast food and into film. The brand sponsored a short movie, “A Recipe for Seduction”, featuring a character, Jessica Mansera, torn between marrying a wealthy suitor chosen by her mother and pursuing a romantic liaison with Harland Sanders, the new house chef.

4. The secret of KFC’s Original Recipe has been well-guarded. To ensure the formula remains undisclosed, KFC splits the process of mixing the 11 spices between two companies. One company prepares the initial blend and then ships it to McCormick, who adds the remaining spices and returns it to KFC.

5. The man whose face adorns KFC outlets globally, Harland Sanders, wasn’t actually a military Colonel. At the age of 44, he was honored with the title of ‘Kentucky Colonel.’ His entrepreneurial journey took a turn at 61 when he founded KFC, and he lived to the ripe old age of 90, leaving behind an iconic culinary legacy.

Pizza Tops the List: A Study on Food Addiction Rankings

In 2016, research from the University of Michigan discovered that out of all foods, pizza was the most likely to create addictive behavior, with chocolate and potato chips coming in close behind. On the opposite end of the spectrum, cucumbers, carrots, and beans were found to be the least habit-forming foods, being even less addictive than water.